Driving the anti-violence message in the villages

01 December 2016, 12:00AM

Gender-based violence (G.B.V) was top of the agenda at the Nofoali’i E.F.K.S Hall on Sunday.

The International Labour Organization (I.L.O) Office for Pacific Island Countries and U.N. Women drove the discussion during a Community Gender Based Violence Seminar as part of the 16 days activism to stop violence against Women and children in Samoa. 

The idea was to create better awareness of gender-based violence in communities and to learn about the issue in an open minded and understanding manner at an early stage. 

Ministry of Police, Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, and Samoa Red Cross Society were able to share pieces of legislation, policy and surveys that were conducted in Samoa in regards to the G.B.V. 

Guest speakers and survivors of violence were also invited to speak on the issue where they share their stories with the communities.

The forum’s dialogue was well attended by all church youth organizations from around Aana Number 2 District, women and young ones and also church ministers 

Lizbeth Cullity acknowledged the support of the community and also reflected on how important  all communities of Samoa should understand the issue.

Member of Parliament, Ili Setefano Ta’ateo, thanked the I.L.O and ONE U.N. for selecting Aana District for the G.B.V Seminar.

Tomasi Peni, I.L.O National Coordinator said the seminar was all about finding a solution to a growing problem.

“It is good to take the seminar to the community where the problem is, and to find solutions to target the youth to learn these problems of G.B.V at early an stage so that they know that violence is not ok.”

01 December 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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